Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro — Representatives from the Mindoro Biodiversity Corridor Project Management Unit (MBC-PMU) of the DENR-UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Corridor Project showcased its progress in promoting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation during a guesting on Kalahi Mo 101.7 FM, hosted by Ms. Cris de Jaro and Mr. Dee Jey Gener, on November 8, 2025.
During the program, Ms. Jhoanne Mae Dapito (MBC-PMU BDFE Officer) gave a brief explanation in what a biodiversity-friendly enterprise (BDFE) is and said, “A Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprise is a type of business or livelihood that uses natural resources in a way that does not destruct the environment in the process.” Ms. Boots Angelie Argel added, “We teach communities how to plan, manage, and market their products,” highlighting the hands-on support provided to local enterprises.
Successful examples include honey production by the Pulot Tadwayan Association in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, buri handicrafts by TUBFARMCO in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, and waterlily-based products from the DAO Waterlily Association in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Ms. Janellica Rosh Malapitan emphasized the bigger picture, saying, “We want to show that there is a bright future in using natural resources as a livelihood, a livelihood that thrives responsibly.”
The team also shared a recent milestone with Ms. Dapito noting that on October 16, 2025, 12 People’s Organizations signed Memorandums of Agreement to further strengthen the utilization of BDFEs in the whole island of Mindoro. One success story mentioned was of the DAO Waterlily Association by transforming water hyacinths, which are considered an invasive species to rivers, into various products such as bags, wallets, and home decor. In return, the beneficiaries gain added knowledge and skills in production planning, inventory management, and marketing.
Ms. Aquem Janna Hernandez (MBC-PMU Stakeholder Engagement Staff) concluded with a call to action and said, “Let us continue supporting our own local products and biodiversity-friendly livelihoods. The environment is life. If we care for it, it will continue in providing us with grace.”
This initiative is part of the DENR-UNDP/GEF project on “Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines” or BD Corridor Project, which seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods.
The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility. 📻🧺
